U.S. patent application number 17/009941 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-08 for semiconductor device including standard cell.
This patent application is currently assigned to Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Subin JIN, Byounggon KANG, Ha-Young KIM.
Application Number | 20210210479 17/009941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005121884 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210210479 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KANG; Byounggon ; et
al. |
July 8, 2021 |
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING STANDARD CELL
Abstract
A semiconductor device includes a standard cell, which includes
first to fourth active areas that are extended in a first
direction, first to fourth gate lines that are extended in a second
direction perpendicular to the first direction over the first to
fourth active areas and are disposed parallel to each other, a
first cutting layer that is disposed between the first active area
and the second active area and separates the second and third gate
lines, a second cutting layer that is disposed between the third
active area and the fourth active area and separates the second and
third gate lines, a first gate contact that is formed on the second
gate line separated by the first cutting layer and the second
cutting layer, and a second gate contact that is formed on the
third gate line separated by the first cutting layer and the second
cutting layer.
Inventors: |
KANG; Byounggon; (Seoul,
KR) ; JIN; Subin; (Jeonju-si, KR) ; KIM;
Ha-Young; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Electronics Co.,
Ltd.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
1000005121884 |
Appl. No.: |
17/009941 |
Filed: |
September 2, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H03K 3/35625 20130101;
H03K 3/0372 20130101; H01L 2027/11881 20130101; H01L 27/0207
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01L 27/02 20060101
H01L027/02; H03K 3/037 20060101 H03K003/037; H03K 3/3562 20060101
H03K003/3562 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 3, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0000960 |
Claims
1. A semiconductor device comprising: a standard cell, wherein the
standard cell includes, first to fourth active areas extending in a
first direction, first to fourth gate lines over the first to
fourth active areas and parallel to each other, the first to fourth
gate lines extending in a second direction perpendicular to the
first direction, a first cutting layer between the first active
area and the second active area and cutting the second and third
gate lines, a second cutting layer between the third active area
and the fourth active area and cutting the second and third gate
lines, a first gate contact on the second gate line, the first gate
contact between the first cutting layer and the second cutting
layer, and a second gate contact on the third gate line, the second
gate contact between the first cutting layer and the second cutting
layer.
2. The semiconductor device of claim 1, further comprising: a first
power line on an upper side of the first active area above the
first active rea in the second direction and configured to provide
a first power supply voltage, the first power line extending in the
first direction; a second power line on a lower side of the fourth
active area below the fourth active area in the second direction
and configured to provide the first power supply voltage, the
second power line extending in the first direction; and a third
power line between the second active area and the third active area
and configured to provide a second power supply voltage, the third
power line extending in the first direction.
3. The semiconductor device of claim 2, wherein the first power
supply voltage corresponds to a driving voltage (VDD), and the
second power supply voltage corresponds to a ground voltage
(VSS).
4. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the standard cell
corresponds to a flip-flop including a master latch and a slave
latch, and wherein the first gate contact is configured to receive
a first clock signal driving the flip-flop, and the second gate
contact is configured to receive a second clock signal
complementary to the first clock signal.
5. The semiconductor device of claim 4, wherein the second gate
line and the second active area corresponds to a first NMOS
transistor, the first NMOS transistor configured to provide the
first clock signal to a first tri-state inverter included in a data
path of the master latch.
6. The semiconductor device of claim 5, wherein the second gate
line and the third active area correspond to a second NMOS
transistor, the second NMOS transistor configured to provide the
first clock signal to a second tri-state inverter included in a
feedback path of the slave latch.
7. The semiconductor device of claim 4, wherein the third gate line
and the second active area correspond to a third NMOS transistor,
the third NMOS transistor configured to provide the second clock
signal to a third tri-state inverter included in a feedback path of
the master latch.
8. The semiconductor device of claim 7, wherein the third gate line
and the third active area corresponds to a fourth NMOS transistor,
the fourth NMOS transistor configured to provide the second clock
signal to a fourth tri-state inverter included in a data path of
the slave latch.
9. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein the first gate
contact overlaps the third active area, and the second gate contact
overlaps the second active area.
10. The semiconductor device of claim 9, further comprising: a
third gate contact on the second gate line, the third gate contact
between the first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
11. The semiconductor device of claim 9, further comprising: a
fourth gate contact on the third gate line, the fourth gate contact
between the first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
12. The semiconductor device of claim 1, wherein a pitch of the
first cutting layer and the second cutting layer in the first
direction is two contact poly pitches (2CPP).
13. A semiconductor device which includes a flip-flop including a
master latch and a slave latch, the master latch and the slave
latch in a double height structure, the semiconductor device
comprising: first and second gate lines extended in a first
direction and parallel to each other; a first cutting layer
extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first
direction, the first cutting layer cutting the first and second
gate lines; a second cutting layer cutting the first and second
gate lines on one side below the first cutting layer with respect
to the first direction; a first gate contact on the first gate
line, the first gate contact between the first cutting layer and
the second cutting layer; and a second gate contact on the second
gate line, the second gate contact between the first cutting layer
and the second cutting layer, wherein gates of first and second
NMOS transistors associated with a data path of the master latch
and a feedback path of the slave latch correspond to the first gate
line placed between the first cutting layer and the second cutting
layer, and gates of third and fourth NMOS transistors associated
with a feedback path of the master latch and a data path of the
slave latch correspond to the second gate line placed between the
first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
14. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein the first gate
contact is configured to receive a first clock signal for driving
the flip-flop, and the second gate contact is configured to receive
a second clock signal complementary to the first clock signal.
15. The semiconductor device of claim 13, further comprising: a
power rail configured to provide a ground voltage to the flip-flop,
the power rail extending the first direction, the power rail
between the first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
16. The semiconductor device of claim 13, further comprising: a
third gate contact on the first gate line, the third gate contact
between the first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
17. The semiconductor device of claim 16, further comprising: a
fourth gate contact on the second gate line, the fourth gate
contact between the first cutting layer and the second cutting
layer.
18. The semiconductor device of claim 13, further comprising: a
third gate contact on the second gate line, the third gate contact
between the first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
19. The semiconductor device of claim 18, further comprising: a
fourth gate contact on the first gate line, the third gate contact
between the first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
20. The semiconductor device of claim 13, wherein the first to
fourth NMOS transistors correspond to a FinFET.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0000960 filed on Jan. 3,
2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Some example embodiments of inventive concepts described
herein relate to a semiconductor device, and more particularly,
relate to a semiconductor device including a standard cell capable
of operating at high speed.
[0003] As semiconductor process technologies develop, an integrated
circuit is being scaled down at a high rate. In general, the
performance of transistors included in a standard cell may vary
depending on, for example, the lay out of the transistors. In
particular, the arrangement or locations of contacts may have an
influence on a data transfer speed in the standard cell and/or the
reliability of the standard cell.
[0004] With the nano-scale manufacturing technology, there are
attempts to improve the data transfer speed and/or the reliability
by adjusting locations of contacts and/or changing the layout
structure of the standard cell.
SUMMARY
[0005] Example of inventive concepts provide a layout structure of
a standard cell capable of adjusting a contact location and/or
reducing the number of contacts, and/or an integrated circuit and a
semiconductor device including the same.
[0006] According to some example embodiments, a semiconductor
device includes a standard cell. The standard cell includes first
to fourth active areas extending in a first direction, first to
fourth gate lines over the first to fourth active areas and
parallel to each other, the first to fourth gate lines extending in
a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a first
cutting layer between the first active area and the second active
area and cutting the second and third gate lines, a second cutting
layer between the third active area and the fourth active area and
cutting the second and third gate lines, a first gate contact on
the second gate line, the first gate contact between the first
cutting layer and the second cutting layer, and a second gate
contact on the third gate line, the second gate contact between the
first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
[0007] According to some example embodiments, a semiconductor
device includes first and second gate lines extended in a first
direction and parallel to each other, a first cutting layer
extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first
direction, the first cutting layer cutting the first and second
gate lines, a second cutting layer cutting the first and second
gate lines on one side below the first cutting layer with respect
to the first direction, a first gate contact on the first gate
line, the first gate contact between the first cutting layer and
the second cutting layer, and a second gate contact on the second
gate line, the second gate contact between the first cutting layer
and the second cutting layer. Gates of first and second NMOS
transistors associated with a data path of the master latch and a
feedback path of the slave latch correspond to the first gate line
placed between the first cutting layer and the second cutting
layer, and gates of third and fourth NMOS transistors associated
with a feedback path of the master latch and a data path of the
slave latch correspond to the second gate line placed between the
first cutting layer and the second cutting layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] The above and other objects and features of inventive
concepts will become apparent by describing in detail some example
embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a layout of a semiconductor device for
describing locations of gate contacts in a standard cell.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a flip-flop
according to an embodiment of inventive concepts.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to an embodiment of inventive
concepts.
[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a standard cell
taken along line I-I' and line II-II' of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIGS. 5 to 10 are views illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to another embodiment of
inventive concepts.
[0014] FIGS. 11A and 11B are views illustrating a layout structure
of a flip-flop according to another embodiment of inventive
concepts.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to another embodiment of
inventive concepts.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a standard cell taken
along line III-III' of FIG. 12, according to embodiments of
inventive concepts.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to another embodiment of
inventive concepts.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a standard cell taken
along line IV-IV' of FIG. 14, according to embodiments of inventive
concepts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Below, example embodiments of inventive concepts may be
described in detail and clearly to such an extent that a person of
ordinary skill in the art may implement inventive concepts.
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a layout of a semiconductor device that
describes locations of gate contacts included in a standard cell.
Referring to FIG. 1, a standard cell 10 may include a plurality of
gate contacts CB1-CB5 that are formed at a plurality of locations
L1-L5 in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 through a
process of the specific degree of integration.
[0021] The standard cell 10 includes a plurality of gate lines,
e.g. gate lines GL1 to GL5 each extending in the second direction
D2. Active areas 13 and 15 are respectively formed on an upper side
and a lower side of the gate lines GL1 to GL5 in the second
direction D2, and the gate lines GL1 to GL5 may be included in one
cell row. A PMOS transistor may be formed at a side, e.g. side 11,
of a first power supply voltage VDD, and an NMOS transistor may be
formed at a side, e.g. side 15, of a second power supply voltage
VSS. Accordingly, as a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor may
be formed along gate lines. For example, one gate line GL1, the
PMOS and NMOS transistors may share the gate line GL1 to
constitute/correspond to components of a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) type inverter. To this end, gate contacts CB1
to CB5 for transferring driving signals from metal layers (not
illustrated) to the gate electrodes of the transistors, e.g. gate
line GL1, may be formed.
[0022] A gate contact may be formed at at least one of locations L1
to L5 of the gate lines GL1 to GL5 in the second direction D2. The
locations L1 to L5 may correspond to locations of metal lines
formed at a first metal layer (not illustrated) so as to extend in
a first direction D1. In a case where the gate lines GL1 to GL5 are
formed for respective inverters, the performance of each of the
inverters may vary depending on a location of a gate contact CBi
(i=1, 2, 3, 4, or 5). For example, the performance of (e.g. speed
of) inverters having the gate contacts CB1 and CB2 formed at the
locations L1 and L2 may be better than the performance of inverters
having the gate contacts CB4 and CB5 formed at the locations L4 and
L5. Although not illustrated, as a location of a gate contact CB
becomes closer to an NMOS transistor of an inverter, a speed of the
inverter may become slower. In contrast, as the location of the
gate contact CB becomes closer to a PMOS transistor of the
inverter, a speed of the inverter may become higher.
[0023] Before the nano-scale manufacturing technology is used,
because a location of the gate contact CB is fixed, controlling the
performance of an inverter or a transistor through a location where
the gate contact CB is formed may not be efficient. As the
nano-scale manufacturing technology is used, the degree of freedom
in which a location of the gate contact CB is selected in one cell
row may increase. Inventive concepts are directed to provide a
technology for improving the performance of a standard cell
associated with a flip-flop and/or various logic circuits by using
the above characteristics.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating a flip-flop
according to an embodiment of inventive concepts. Referring to FIG.
2, a flip-flop 100 includes a master latch 110 and a slave latch
120.
[0025] The master latch 110 may include a first tri-state inverter
112, a second tri-state inverter 118, and inverters 114 and 116.
The slave latch 120 may include a third tri-state inverter 122, a
fourth tri-state inverter 128, and inverters 124 and 126.
[0026] The master latch 110 may receive data "Data", which is input
to the flip-flop 100, through the first tri-state inverter 112. In
response to the input data "Data", a PMOS transistor PM11 of the
first tri-state inverter 112 may be pulled up, and an NMOS
transistor NM11 of the first tri-state inverter 112 may be pulled
down. However, an output of the first tri-state inverter 112 may be
transferred to a node X1 only when both a PMOS transistor PM12 and
an NMOS transistor NM12 respectively responding to clock signals
bclk and nclk are turned on.
[0027] The first inverter 114 including a PMOS transistor PM16 and
an NMOS transistor NM16 may invert data at the node X1 and may
transfer the inverted data to the slave latch 120. The second
inverter 116 including a PMOS transistor PM15 and an NMOS
transistor NM15 may invert the data set up at the node X1 and may
transfer the inverted data to a first feedback node FB1. The first
feedback node FB1 corresponds to a common gate of a PMOS transistor
PM13 and an NMOS transistor NM13 of the second tri-state inverter
118.
[0028] The second tri-state inverter 118 forms a feedback path of
the master latch 110. The second tri-state inverter 118 performs a
pull-up and/or pull-down operation in response to data transferred
from the second inverter 116. The PMOS transistor PM13 pulls up,
and the NMOS transistor NM13 pulls down the node X1 in response to
an output of the second inverter 116. In particular, the second
tri-state inverter 118 includes a PMOS transistor PM14 and an NMOS
transistor NM14 respectively responding to the complementary clock
signals nclk and bclk. However, unlike the first tri-state inverter
112, the clock signal bclk is input to a gate of the NMOS
transistor NM14, and the clock signal nclk is input to a gate of
the PMOS transistor PM14.
[0029] The slave latch 120 inverts data Y1 provided to the third
tri-state inverter 122, and transfers the inverted data to a node
X2. A PMOS transistor PM21 performs a pull-up, and an NMOS
transistor performs a pull-down operation, in response to the data
input to the third tri-state inverter 122. The node X2
corresponding to an output terminal of the third tri-state inverter
122 may be pulled down or pulled up only when both a PMOS
transistor PM22 and an NMOS transistor NM22 respectively responding
to the complementary clock signals nclk and bclk are turned on. The
third inverter 124 composed of a PMOS transistor PM26 and an NMOS
transistor NM26 inverts the data set up at the node X2 and
transfers the inverted data as output data Dout. The fourth
inverter 126 composed of a PMOS transistor PM25 and an NMOS
transistor NM25 pulls up or pulls down a second feedback node FB2
in response to the data set up at the node X2. For example, the
fourth inverter 126 inverts the data set up at the node X2 and
transfers the inverted data to the fourth tri-state inverter
128.
[0030] The fourth tri-state inverter 128 forms a feedback path of
the slave latch 120. The fourth tri-state inverter 128 performs a
pull-up or a pull-down operation in response to data transferred
from the fourth inverter 126. A PMOS transistor PM23 performs a
pull up, and an NMOS transistor NM23 performs a pulls down, of the
node X2 in response to an output of the fourth inverter 126. In
particular, the fourth tri-state inverter 128 includes a PMOS
transistor PM24 and an NMOS transistor NM24 respectively responding
to the complementary clock signals bclk and nclk. However, unlike
the third tri-state inverter 122, the clock signal bclk is input to
a gate of the PMOS transistor PM24, and the clock signal nclk is
transferred to a gate of the NMOS transistor NM24.
[0031] According to the circuit configuration of the flip-flop 100
described above, the clock signals bclk and nclk that are provided
to the tri-state inverters 112, 118, 122, and 128 may be mutually
synchronized and input. However, due to a structure of the layout,
there may be a problem in synchronization of clocks signals that
are provided to the first tri-state inverter 112 and the second
tri-state inverter 118. For example, there may be a problem in data
reliability of the master latch 110 due to operating
characteristics of the NMOS transistor NM12 of the first tri-state
inverter 112 and the PMOS transistor PM14 of the second tri-state
inverter 118, which are driven by the clock nclk. This phenomenon
may occur identically in the slave latch 120.
[0032] In the layout structure of the standard cell of the
flip-flop 100 according to inventive concepts, the above issue may
be solved, or reduced in likelihood of occurrence, by adjusting the
number of gate contacts CB and/or locations of the gate contacts
CB. For example, according to a double height structure DHS, the
NMOS transistor NM12 included in the first tri-state inverter 112
of the master latch 110 and the NMOS transistor NM24 included in
the fourth tri-state inverter 128 of the slave latch 120 may share
a gate electrode. A speed and/or a reliability in operation may be
improved by transferring the clock signal nclk to the shared gate
electrode by using one gate contact CB.
[0033] Alternatively or additionally, according to the double
height structure DHS, the NMOS transistor NM14 included in the
second tri-state inverter 118 of the master latch 110 and the NMOS
transistor NM22 included in the third tri-state inverter 122 of the
slave latch 120 may share a gate electrode. A speed and/or a
reliability in operation may be improved by transferring the clock
signal bclk to the shared gate electrode by using one gate contact
CB. This will be described in detail with reference to drawings to
be described below.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to an embodiment of inventive
concepts. Referring to FIG. 3, a standard cell 200 of inventive
concepts may be implemented by a layout using the double height
structure DHS and contact poly pitch (2CPP) cutting layers CT. The
double height structure DHS may be a structure in which two cell
rows are included in one standard cell, and a rail for any one of
the power supply voltages VDD or VSS (e.g. a low voltage or ground
rail) may be shared in two cell rows. To implement this, gate lines
may be routed by using the 2CPP cutting layer CT.
[0035] The standard cell 200 may include first to fourth active
areas ACT1, ACT2, ACT3, and ACT4, first to fourth gate lines GL1 to
GL4, a plurality of gate contacts CB1 to CB9, cutting layers CT1,
CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5, and power rails MPL1, MPL2, and
MPL3. The standard cell 200 according to the present embodiment has
a cross couple structure for providing the clock signals nclk and
bclk. Here, for convenience of description of inventive concepts,
only a portion of the standard cell 200 is illustrated, but the
standard cell 200 may be designed to further include any other
components (or elements).
[0036] The first to fourth active areas ACT1 to ACT4 may extend
along the first direction D1 and may be disposed parallel to each
other in the second direction D2 substantially perpendicular to the
first direction D1. In some example embodiments, the first active
area ACT1 and the second active area ACT2 may be disposed to be
spaced from each other in the second direction D2. The power rail
MPL2 for providing the ground voltage VSS may be placed between the
second active area ACT2 and the third active area ACT3. In
addition, the third active area ACT3 and the fourth active area
ACT4 may be disposed to be spaced from each other in the second
direction D2. According to some example embodiments, the first to
fourth active areas ACT1 to ACT4 may correspond to portions of a
substrate that include, e.g. are doped with, impurities.
[0037] The first to fourth gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 may
extend along the second direction D2 over the first to fourth
active areas ACT1 to ACT4 and may be disposed parallel to each
other in the first direction D1. Accordingly, the first to fourth
gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 may be formed of a material
having electrical conductivity and may include, for example, at
least one of polysilicon, metal, metal alloy, etc. In some example
embodiments, the first to fourth gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4
may correspond to gate electrodes and/or gate structures. However,
inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, the first
to fourth gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 may be traces having
conductivity.
[0038] The cutting layers CT1, CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5 may be
formed to cross at least one of the first to fourth gate lines GL1,
GL2, GL3, and GL4. The cutting layer CT1 is a marking layer for
cutting upper portions of the first to fourth gate lines GL1, GL2,
GL3, and GL4, and may extend in the first direct D1 along the
length of the first active area ACT1. The cutting layer CT5 is a
marking layer for cutting lower portions of the first to fourth
gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4, and may extend in the first
direction D1 along the length of a lower active layer.
[0039] The cutting layer CT2 may extend in the first direction D1
between the first active area ACT1 and the second active area ACT2
and may be disposed to cross the second and third gate lines GL2
and GL3. The cutting layer CT2 may be a layer for cutting some,
e.g., two, of the gate lines in the first direction D1. The cutting
layer CT2 may be a cutting layer for cutting two gate line pitches
2CPP, and this structure is called a "2CPP cutting layer 2CPP CT".
According to the cutting layer CT2, the second and third gate lines
GL2 and GL3 above the first active area ACT1 and the second active
area ACT2 may be electrically separated.
[0040] The cutting layer CT4 may extend in the first direction D1
between the third active area ACT3 and the fourth active area ACT4
and may be disposed to cross the second and third gate lines GL2
and GL3 Like the cutting layer CT2, the cutting layer CT4 may be
implemented by the 2CPP cutting layer 2CPP CT. According to the
cutting layer CT4, the second and third gate lines GL2 and GL3
above the third active area ACT3 and the fourth active area ACT4
may be electrically separated.
[0041] Each of the cutting layers CT31 and CT32 is a marking layer
for cutting each of the first and fourth gate lines GL1 and GL4
into two portions. The first gate line GL1 is divided into a
portion of the master latch 110 (refer to FIG. 2) and a portion of
the slave latch 120 by the cutting layer CT31. The fourth gate line
GL4 is divided into a portion of the master latch 110 and a portion
of the slave latch 120 by the cutting layer CT32.
[0042] The plurality of gate contacts CB1 to CB9 are provided to
transfer gate signals of transistors constituting/corresponding to
the flip-flop 100. The gate contact CB1 transfers the data "Data"
to the gates of the PMOS transistor PM11 and the NMOS transistor
NM11 of the first tri-state inverter 112 of FIG. 2. A via and a
metal line M1_3 for transferring the data "Data" to the gate
contact CB1 may be respectively formed above the gate contact
CB1.
[0043] Here, a first metal layer extending in the first direction
D1 may include five metal lines M1_1 to M1_5 spaced from each other
in the second direction D2 at the same interval and interposed
between the power rails MPL1 and MPL2. For example, two metal lines
may be formed above the first active area ACT1, and two metal lines
may be formed above the second active area ACT2. One metal line may
be formed at the first metal layer M1 between the first active area
ACT1 and the second active area ACT2.
[0044] In addition, the first metal layer including metal lines
M1_1-M1_5 extending in the first direction D1 may further include
five metal lines spaced from each other in the second direction D2
at the same interval and interposed between the power rails MPL2
and MPL3. For example, two metal lines may be formed above the
third active area ACT3, and two metal lines may be formed above the
fourth active area ACT4. One metal line may be formed at the first
metal layer M1 between the third active area ACT3 and the fourth
active area ACT4. Locations of the plurality of gate contacts CB1
to CB9 may correspond to intersections of the gate lines GL1 to GL4
and the metal lines formed at the first metal layer M1. However, it
may be understood that the number of metal lines formed at the
first metal layer M1 and the size of the metal lines are not
limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0045] The gate contact CB2 is formed to provide the clock signal
bclk (hereinafter referred to as "B") to the gate electrode of,
e.g. corresponding to, the PMOS transistor PM12 included in the
master latch 110. The gate line GL2 is cut between the first active
area ACT1 and the second active area ACT2 by the cutting layer CT2
so as to be electrically separated into two portions. The first
active area ACT1 and the portion of the gate line GL2 above the
cutting layer CT2 may form/correspond to the PMOS transistor PM12.
The clock signal "B" is provided to the gate electrode of the PMOS
transistor PM12 through the gate contact CB2. Additionally, the
gate contact CB2 may be provided with the clock signal "B" through
a metal line M1_1 and the via. The clock signal "B" may be provided
through a metal line M2_1 and may be distributed into the gate
contacts CB2, CB4, and CB8.
[0046] The gate contact CB3 is formed to provide the clock signal
nclk (hereinafter referred to as "N") to the gate electrode
of/corresponding to the PMOS transistor PM14 included in the master
latch 110. The gate line GL3 is cut between the first active area
ACT1 and the second active area ACT2 by the cutting layer CT2 so as
to be electrically separated into two portions. The first active
area ACT1 and the portion of the gate line GL3 above the cutting
layer CT2 and may form/correspond to the PMOS transistor PM14. The
clock signal "N" is provided to the gate electrode of the PMOS
transistor PM14 through the gate contact CB3. Metal lines M2_2 and
M1_2 and vias may be used to transfer the clock signal "N" to the
gate contact CB3. The clock signal "N" may be provided through the
metal line M2_2 and may be distributed into the gate contacts CB3,
CB7, and CB9. For example, the clock signal "N" that is transferred
through the metal line M2_2 may be transferred to the metal line
M1_2 through a via and may be transferred to the gate line GL3
through the gate contact CB3.
[0047] The gate contact CB4 is formed to provide the clock signal
"B" to the gate electrode of/corresponding to the NMOS transistor
NM14 included in the master latch 110. The gate line GL3 is cut
between the first active area ACT1 and the second active area ACT2
by the cutting layer CT2 so as to be electrically separated into
two portions. The second active area ACT2 and the portion of the
gate line GL3 below the cutting layer CT2 may form/correspond to
the NMOS transistor NM14. The clock signal "B" is provided to the
gate electrode of the NMOS transistor NM14 through the gate contact
CB4. The clock signal "B" that is transferred through the metal
line M2_1 may be transferred to a metal line M1_4 through a via and
may be transferred to the portion of the gate line GL3 below the
cutting layer CT2 through the gate contact CB4. The metal lines
M1_4 and M2_1 and vias and a structure of the gate contact CB4 will
be more fully described with reference to FIG. 4A below.
[0048] The gate contact CB5 is formed to transfer a first feedback
data FB1 to the common gate of/corresponding to the PMOS transistor
PM13 and the NMOS transistor NM13 included in the second tri-state
inverter 118 of the master latch 110. The gate line GL4 is divided
into a master latch portion and a slave latch portion by the
cutting layer CT32. The first feedback data FB1 may be provided to
the master latch portion of the gate line GL4. The first feedback
data FB1 fed back through the inverter 116 is transferred through a
metal line M1_5. The first feedback data FB1 is transferred to the
master latch portion of the gate line GL4 through a via and the
gate contact CB5. Here, the layout of the inverter 116 for
providing the first feedback data FB1 is omitted, e.g. omitted for
brevity.
[0049] The gate contact CB6 for the slave latch 120 provides output
data Y1 of the master latch 110 to the gate electrodes
of/corresponding to the PMOS transistor PM21 and the NMOS
transistor NM21 of the third tri-state inverter 122 of FIG. 2. A
metal line M1_7 is used to transfer the output data Y1 to the gate
contact CB6. The metal line M1_7 and the gate contact CB6 may be
connected through a via.
[0050] The gate contact CB7 is formed to provide the clock signal
"N" to the gate electrode of/corresponding to the PMOS transistor
PM22 included in the slave latch 120. The gate line GL3 is cut
between the third active area ACT3 and the fourth active area ACT4
by the cutting layer CT4 so as to be electrically separated into
two portions. The fourth active area ACT4 and the portion of the
gate line GL3 below the cutting layer CT4 may form/correspond to
the PMOS transistor PM22. The clock signal "N" is provided to the
metal line M2_2 and is transferred to a metal line M1_9 through at
least one via. The metal line M1_9 is connected with the gate
electrode of the PMOS transistor PM22 through a via and the gate
contact CB7.
[0051] The gate contact CB8 is formed to provide the clock signal
"B" to the gate electrode of/corresponding to the PMOS transistor
PM24 included in the slave latch 120. The gate line GL2 is cut
between the third active area ACT3 and the fourth active area ACT4
by the cutting layer CT4 so as to be electrically separated into
two portions. The fourth active area ACT4 and the portion of the
gate line GL2 below the cutting layer CT4 may form/correspond to
the PMOS transistor PM24. The clock signal "B" that is transferred
through the metal line M2_1 may be transferred to a metal line M1_8
through a via and may be transferred to the portion of the gate
line GL2 below the cutting layer CT2 through the gate contact CB8.
The clock signal "B" transferred to the gate contact CB8 through
the metal line M1_8 and a via may be transferred to the gate
electrode of the PMOS transistor PM24.
[0052] The gate contact CB9 is formed to provide the clock signal
"N" to the gate electrode of/corresponding to the NMOS transistor
NM24 included in the slave latch 120. The gate line GL2 is cut
between the third active area ACT3 and the fourth active area ACT4
by the cutting layer CT4 so as to be electrically separated into
two portions. The third active area ACT3 and the portion of the
gate line GL2 above the cutting layer CT4 may form/correspond to
the NMOS transistor NM24. The clock signal "N" is provided to the
metal line M2_2 and is transferred to a metal line M1_6 through at
least one via. The metal line M1_6 may provide the clock signal "N"
to the gate electrode of/corresponding to the NMOS transistor NM24
through a via and the gate contact CB9.
[0053] As described above, according to the standard cell layout of
the flip-flop of inventive concepts, the number of gate contacts
CBi for NMOS transistors included in the master latch 110 and the
slave latch 120 may decrease by using the dual height structure.
Alternatively or additionally, because a location of a gate contact
for an NMOS transistor is adjustable, the performance of the
flip-flop 100 may be prevented, or reduced in likelihood, from
being reduced due to the number of gate contacts or locations
thereof.
[0054] FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a standard cell
taken along line I-I' and line II-II' of FIG. 3.
[0055] FIG. 4A shows cross sections of the NMOS transistors NM12
and NM14 of the master latch 110, taken along line I-I'. The
substrate may be or may include a semiconductor substrate. For
example, the semiconductor substrate may include one of silicon,
silicon-on-insulator, silicon-on-sapphire, germanium,
silicon-germanium, or gallium-arsenic, and may be doped, e.g.
lightly doped, with impurities such as boron. A device isolation
layer STI may be disposed on the substrate SUB, and a first
insulating layer ILD1 may be disposed on the device isolation layer
STI.
[0056] The gate lines GL2 and GL3 may be disposed on the device
isolation layer STI. The gate lines GL2 and GL3 may include, for
example, a metal material, such tungsten (W) and/or titanium (Ta),
a nitride thereof, a silicide thereof, or a doped polysilicon, and
may be formed, for example, by using a deposition process such as a
plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. The gate
lines GL2 and GL3 may correspond to the second gate line GL2 and
the third gate line GL3 of FIG. 3, respectively.
[0057] The gate contact CB4 is disposed on the gate line GL3. The
gate contact CB4 may include, for example, a material having
electrical conductivity, such as tungsten and/or doped polysilicon.
A via V0_1 is formed at a second insulating layer ILD2 on the gate
contact CB4 to electrically connect the gate contact CB5 and the
metal line M1_4. The via V0_1 may be formed to include a material
having electrical conductivity. The metal line M1_4 may be disposed
on the via V0_1 and may be electrically connected with the via
V0_1. The metal line M1_4 may be a metal layer including tungsten
(W), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), titanium (Ti),
tantalium (Ta), ruthenium (Ru), or an alloy thereof, or a
polysilicon layer. The metal line M1_4 and the via V0_1 may be
formed with a damascene process such as a dual-damascene process;
however, example embodiments are not limited thereto.
[0058] In the structured described above, the NMOS transistor NM12
is formed by/corresponds to the second gate line GL2. The NMOS
transistor NM12 shares a gate electrode with the NMOS transistor
NM24 to be described later. The NMOS transistor NM14 is formed
by/corresponds to the third gate line GL3. The NMOS transistor NM14
shares a gate electrode with the NMOS transistor NM22 to be
described later. Accordingly, a signal provided through the gate
contact CB4 may be simultaneously provided to the NMOS transistor
NM22.
[0059] As described above, only one gate contact CB4 may be used
for the two NMOS transistors NM12 and NM24 included in the master
latch 110 and the slave latch 120. Accordingly, there may a
prevention of, or an improvement in, the reduction of performance
of the flip-flop 100 due to a delay of a clock signal or timing
mismatch caused by the formation of gate contacts.
[0060] FIG. 4B shows cross sections of the NMOS transistors NM22
and NM24 of the slave latch 120, taken along line II-II'. The
substrate SUB, the device isolation layer STI, the insulation
layers ILD1 and ILD2 may be substantially identical to those of
FIG. 4A. Thus, additional description will be omitted to avoid
redundancy.
[0061] The gate lines GL2 and GL3 may be disposed on the device
isolation layer STI. The gate lines GL2 and GL3 correspond to the
same gate lines as the gate lines GL2 and GL3 of FIG. 4A,
respectively. The gate contact CB9 is disposed on the gate line
GL2. The gate contact CB9 may include, for example, a material
having electrical conductivity, such as tungsten, and may be formed
of the same material of the gate contact CB4 discussed above with
respect to FIG. 4A. A via V0_2 is disposed on the gate contact CB9
to electrically connect the gate contact CB9 and the metal line
M1_6. The via V0_2 may be formed to include a material having
electrical conductivity, and may be formed of the same material of
the via V0_1 discussed above with respect to FIG. 4A. The metal
line M1_6 may be disposed on the via V0_2 and may be electrically
connected with the via V0_2. The clock signal "N" may be provided
to the gate electrode GL2 of the NMOS transistor NM24 through the
metal line M1_6, the via V0_2, and the gate contact CB9.
[0062] In the structures illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the NMOS
transistors NM12 and NM24 are formed by the second gate line GL2.
The clock signal "N" may be simultaneously provided to the NMOS
transistors NM12 and NM24 through the metal line M1_6, the via
V0_2, and the gate contact CB9. The NMOS transistors NM14 and NM22
are formed by the third gate line GL3. The clock signal "B" may be
simultaneously provided to the NMOS transistors NM14 and NM22
through the metal line M1_4, the via V0_1, and the gate contact
CB4.
[0063] According to the layout structure described above, only one
gate contact CB9 may be formed for the NMOS transistors NM12 and
NM24 for the purpose of providing the clock signal "N". Only one
gate contact CB4 may be formed for the NMOS transistors NM14 and
NM22 for the purpose of providing the clock signal "B".
Accordingly, the reduction of speed or reliability of a flip-flop
caused depending on the number of gate contacts or locations
thereof may be markedly prevented or the amount of reduction may be
reduced.
[0064] FIGS. 5 to 10 are views illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to some example embodiments of
inventive concepts. In FIGS. 5 to 10, the gate contacts CB1, CB5,
and CB6 formed at the gate lines GL1 and GL4 are substantially
identical to those of FIG. 3, and thus, the illustration of the
gate contacts CB1, CB5, and CB6 is omitted. In addition, the
illustration of vias formed on the gate contacts CB2, CB3, CB4,
CB7, CB8, and CB9, the active areas ACT1 to ACT4, and the power
rails MPL1 to MPL3 is omitted in FIGS. 5 to 10.
[0065] In addition, the gate line GL1 may be divided into two
portions GL11 and GL12 by the cutting layer CT31. The gate line GL2
may be divided into three portions GL21, GL22, and GL23 by the
cutting layers CT2 and CT4. The gate line GL3 is divided into three
portions GL31, GL32, and GL33 by the cutting layers CT2 and CT4.
The gate line GL4 is divided into two portions GL41 and GL42 by the
cutting layer CT32.
[0066] In a standard cell layout structure 200a of a flip-flop
according to some example embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5, the
gate contact CB9 may be disposed at an intersection of the gate
line GL22 and the third active area ACT3, and the gate contact CB4
may be disposed at an intersection of the gate line GL32 and the
second active area ACT2.
[0067] The gate line GL1 is divided into gate lines GL11 and GL12
electrically separated by the cutting layer CT31. The transistors
PM11 and NM11 included in the master latch 110 of FIG. 3 may be
formed by the gate line GL11.
[0068] The gate line GL4 may be divided into gate lines GL41 and
GL42 electrically separated by the cutting layer CT32. The
transistors PM13 and NM13 included in the master latch 110 may be
formed by the gate line GL41. The transistors PM21 and NM21
included in the slave latch 120 may be formed by the gate line
GL42.
[0069] The gate line GL2 may be divided into three gate lines GL21,
GL22, and GL23 electrically separated by the 2CPP cutting layers
CT2 and CT4. The gate line GL21 forms/corresponds to the PMOS
transistor PM12 of the master latch 110, and the gate line GL23
forms/corresponds to the PMOS transistor PM24 of the slave latch
120. However, the gate line GL22 placed between the 2CPP cutting
layers CT2 and CT4 may form/correspond to the NMOS transistors NM12
and NM24 sharing one gate contact CB9. Here, the gate contact CB9
may be formed/correspond to at any location on the gate line GL22.
For example, the gate contact CB9 may be formed at a location where
the NMOS transistors NM12 and NM24 are able to operate at an
improved, e.g. an optimum speed. For example, the double height
structure DHS may be divided into an upper portion "H" and a lower
portion "L" by a reference line Ref, and the gate contact CB9 may
be formed at the lower portion "L" of the double height structure
DHS. Alternatively, the gate contact CB9 may be formed at an
intersection of the gate line GL22 and the third active area
ACT3.
[0070] The gate line GL3 may be divided into three gate lines GL31,
GL32, and GL33 electrically separated by the 2CPP cutting layers
CT2 and CT4. The gate line GL31 forms/corresponds to the PMOS
transistor PM14 of the master latch 110, and the gate line GL33
forms/corresponds to the PMOS transistor PM22 of the slave latch
120. However, the gate line GL32 placed between the 2CPP cutting
layers CT2 and CT4 may form/correspond to the NMOS transistors NM14
and NM22 sharing one gate contact CB4. Here, the gate contact CB4
may be formed at any location on the gate line GL32. Desirably, the
gate contact CB4 may be formed at a location where the NMOS
transistors NM14 and NM22 are able to operate at an
improved/optimum speed.
[0071] For example, the gate contact CB4 may be formed at the upper
portion "H" of the double height structure DHS. Alternatively, the
gate contact CB4 may be formed at an intersection of the gate line
GL32 and the second active area ACT2.
[0072] In a standard cell layout structure 200b of a flip-flop
according to some example embodiments illustrated in FIG. 6, the
gate contacts CB4 and CB9 may be placed at the upper portion "H" of
the double height structure DHS above the reference line Ref. Here,
locations or shapes of the gate contacts CB2, CB3, CB7, and CB8 are
not described in detail. For example, the number of gate contacts
CB4 and CB9 may allow the master latch 110 and the slave latch 120
to share the clock signals "N" and "B" and location thereof.
[0073] The gate contact CB9 for transferring the clock signal "N"
to the gate line GL22 placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2
and CT4 may be placed at the upper portion "H" of the double height
structure DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
Alternatively, the gate contact CB9 may be formed at an
intersection of the gate line GL22 and the second active area ACT2.
The gate contact CB4 for transferring the clock signal "B" to the
gate line GL32 placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2 and CT4
may be placed at the upper portion "H" of the double height
structure DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
Alternatively, the gate contact CB4 may be formed at an
intersection of the gate line GL32 and the second active area
ACT2.
[0074] In a standard cell layout structure 200c of a flip-flop
according to some example embodiments illustrated in FIG. 7, the
gate contact CB4 may be placed at the lower portion "L" of the
double height structure DHS, and the gate contact CB9 may be placed
at the upper portion "H" of the double height structure DHS.
[0075] The gate contact CB9 for transferring the clock signal "N"
to the gate line GL22 placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2
and CT4 may be placed at the upper portion "H" of the double height
structure DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
Alternatively, the gate contact CB9 may be formed at an
intersection of the gate line GL22 and the second active area ACT2.
The gate contact CB4 for transferring the clock signal "B" to the
gate line GL32 placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2 and CT4
may be placed at the lower portion "L" of the double height
structure DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
Alternatively, the gate contact CB4 may be formed at an
intersection of the gate line GL32 and the third active area
ACT3.
[0076] In a standard cell layout structure 200d of a flip-flop
according some example embodiments illustrated in FIG. 8, all the
gate contacts CB4 and CB9 may be placed at the lower portion "L" of
the double height structure DHS.
[0077] The gate contact CB9 for transferring the clock signal "N"
to the gate line GL22 placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2
and CT4 may be placed at the lower portion "L" of the double height
structure DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
Alternatively, the gate contact CB9 may be formed at an
intersection of the gate line GL22 and the third active area ACT3.
The gate contact CB4 for transferring the clock signal "B" to the
gate line GL32 placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2 and CT4
may be placed at the lower portion "L" of the double height
structure DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
Alternatively, the gate contact CB4 may be formed at an
intersection of the gate line GL32 and the third active area
ACT3.
[0078] In a standard cell layout structure 200e of a flip-flop
according to some example embodiments illustrated in FIG. 9, two
gate contacts CB9 and CB10 may be formed on the gate line GL22
placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2 and CT4. One gate
contact CB4 may be formed on the gate line GL32 placed between the
2CPP cutting layers CT2 and CT4.
[0079] The gate contacts CB9 and CB10 for transferring the clock
signal "N" to the gate line GL22 placed between the 2CPP cutting
layers CT2 and CT4 may be respectively placed at the lower portion
"L" and the upper portion "H" of the double height structure DHS
with respect to the reference line Ref. Alternatively, the gate
contact CB9 may be formed at an intersection of the gate line GL22
and the second active area ACT2, and the gate contact CB10 may be
disposed at an intersection of the gate line GL22 and the third
active area ACT3. The gate contact CB4 for transferring the clock
signal "B" to the gate line GL32 placed between the 2CPP cutting
layers CT2 and CT4 may be placed at the lower portion "L" of the
double height structure DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
Alternatively, it may be well understood that the gate contact CB4
is placed at the upper portion "H" of the double height structure
DHS with respect to the reference line Ref.
[0080] In a standard cell layout structure 200f of a flip-flop
according to some example embodiments illustrated in FIG. 10, one
gate contact CB9 may be formed on the gate line GL22 placed between
the 2CPP cutting layers CT2 and CT4. In contrast, two gate contacts
CB4 and CB11 may be formed on the gate line GL32 placed between the
2CPP cutting layers CT2 and CT4.
[0081] The gate contact CB9 for transferring the clock signal "N"
to the gate line GL22 placed between the 2CPP cutting layers CT2
and CT4 may be placed at the lower portion "L" or the upper portion
"H" of the double height structure DHS with respect to the
reference line Ref. Alternatively, the gate contact CB9 may be
formed at an intersection of the gate line GL22 and the second or
third active area ACT2 or ACT3.
[0082] The gate contacts CB4 and CB11 for transferring the clock
signal "B" to the gate line GL32 placed between the 2CPP cutting
layers CT2 and CT4 may be respectively placed at the upper portion
"H" and the lower portion "L" of the double height structure DHS
with respect to the reference line Ref. Alternatively, the gate
contact CB4 may be formed at an intersection of the gate line GL32
and the second active area ACT2, and the gate contact CB11 may be
disposed at an intersection of the gate line GL32 and the third
active area ACT3.
[0083] FIGS. 11A and 11B are views illustrating a layout structure
of a flip-flop according to another embodiment of inventive
concepts.
[0084] FIG. 11A schematically shows gate lines and gate contacts
for forming eight (8) flip-flops and scan and clock circuits and
shapes of cutting layers. A layout 300 illustrated in FIG. 11A
provides a structure in which a plurality of flip-flops are formed
by repeatedly arranging the layout illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 11B, a scan and clock circuit Scan &
CLK may be formed on/in the center of the layer 300, and four
flip-flops may be formed on the left of the scan and clock circuit
Scan & CLK. Additionally, four flip-flops may be formed on the
right of the scan and clock circuit Scan & CLK. Each of, or at
least some of, the flip-flops may be implemented in the layout
structure described with reference to FIG. 3. For example, two NMOS
transistors may be formed at one gate line placed between 2CPP
cutting layers, but one gate contact CB for transferring a clock
signal nclk or bclk may be provided.
[0086] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to some example embodiments of
inventive concepts. Referring to FIG. 12, a standard cell 400 of
inventive concepts may be implemented by a layout that uses the
double height structure DHS and the 2CPP cutting layers CT and
includes a FinFET.
[0087] The standard cell 400 may include the first to fourth active
areas ACT1, ACT2, ACT3, and ACT4, the first to fourth gate lines
GL1 to GL4, the plurality of gate contacts CB1 to CB9, the cutting
layers CT1, CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5, and the power rails
MPL1, MPL2, and MPL3. The standard cell 400 according to the
present embodiment has a cross couple structure for providing the
clock signals "N" and "B". Here, for convenience of description of
inventive concepts, only a portion of the standard cell 400 is
illustrated, but the standard cell 400 may be designed to further
include any other components (or elements).
[0088] The first to fourth active areas ACT1 to ACT4 may extend
along the first direction D1 and may be disposed parallel to each
other in the second direction D2 substantially perpendicular to the
first direction D1. In some example embodiments, the first active
area ACT1 and the second active area ACT2 may be disposed to be
spaced from each other in the second direction D2. The power rail
MPL2 for providing the ground voltage VSS may be placed between the
second active area ACT2 and the third active area ACT3. In
addition, the third active area ACT3 and the fourth active area
ACT4 may be disposed to be spaced from each other in the second
direction D2.
[0089] A plurality of fin patterns F1 to F12 may be disposed above
the first to fourth active areas ACT1 to ACT4. Each of the
plurality of fin patterns F1 to F12 may extend along the first
direction D1 over the first to fourth active areas ACT1 to ACT4.
Three fin patterns F1 to F3 may be formed above the first active
area ACT1. Three fin patterns F4 to F6 may be formed above the
second active area ACT2. Three fin patterns F7 to F9 may be formed
above the third active area ACT3. Three fin patterns F10 to F12 may
be formed above the fourth active area ACT4. Some example
embodiments may be illustrated as three fins are formed above one
active area, but it may be understood that inventive concepts are
not limited thereto.
[0090] The first to fourth gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 may
extend along the second direction D2 over the first to fourth
active areas ACT1 to ACT4 and may be disposed parallel to each
other in the first direction D1. The first to fourth gate lines
GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 may extend in a direction perpendicular to
the plurality of fin patterns F1 to F12. As the first to fourth
gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 are formed on the plurality of
fin patterns F1 to F12, the FinFet may be formed.
[0091] The cutting layers CT1, CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5 may be
formed to cross at least one of the first to fourth gate lines GL1,
GL2, GL3, and GL4. Structures and shapes of the cutting layers CT1,
CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5 are substantially identical to those
of FIG. 3 described above, and thus, additional description will be
omitted to avoid redundancy.
[0092] The plurality of gate contacts CB1 to CB9 are provided to
transfer gate signals of transistors constituting/included in the
flip-flop 100. Reference signs "CB1" to "CB9" of gate contacts are
omitted, but locations and functions of the plurality of gate
contacts CB1 to CB9 are substantially identical to those of FIG. 3
described above. Thus, additional description will be omitted to
avoid redundancy.
[0093] As described above, according to the standard cell layout of
the flip-flop 100 of inventive concepts, the number of gate
contacts for NMOS transistors included in the master latch 110 and
the slave latch 120 may decrease by using the dual height
structure. Alternatively or additionally, because a location of a
gate contact for an NMOS transistor is adjustable, the performance
of the flip-flop may be prevented from, or reduced in likelihood
of, being reduced due to the number of gate contacts or locations
thereof.
[0094] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a standard cell taken
along line III-III' of FIG. 12, according to some example
embodiments of inventive concepts. A semiconductor device
illustrated in FIG. 13 is a FinFET. The gate contacts CB2, CB6, and
CB8 may be in contact with the gate lines GL21, GL22, and GL23
through the first interlayer insulating layer ILD1.
[0095] The clock signal "B" provided through the metal line M1_1 is
transferred to the gate contact CB2 through a via VA1. The gate
contact CB2 is formed to provide the clock signal "B" to the gate
electrode of/corresponding to the PMOS transistor PM12 included in
the master latch 110. The gate line GL2 is divided into three gate
lines GL21, GL22, and GL23 electrically separated by the cutting
layers CT2 and CT4. The first active area ACT1 and the gate line
GL21 may form/correspond to the PMOS transistor PM12. The clock
signal "B" is provided to the gate line GL21 for the gate electrode
of the PMOS transistor PM12 through the gate contact CB2.
[0096] A plurality of active fins AF for forming the PMOS
transistor PM12 may be provided. The active fins AF may be extended
in the first direction D1 to be parallel to each other. As a
portion of the substrate SUB, the active fins AF may be vertical
protrusions. A device isolation layer 11 may include a silicon
oxide layer. Upper portions of the active fins AF may vertically
protrude above the device isolation layer 11. The device isolation
layer 11 may not cover the upper portions of the active fins AF.
The device isolation layer 11 may cover side walls of lower
portions of the active fins AF. The gate lines GL21, GL22, and GL23
may intersect the active fins AF. A gate insulating layer Gox may
be interposed between the gate lines GL21, GL22, and GL23 and the
active fins AF.
[0097] Each of the active fins AF placed at the PMOS transistor
PM12 may include a first top surface TS1 and first side walls SW1.
The gate line GL21 covers the first top surfaces TS1 and the first
side walls SW1. In the PMOS transistor PM12, first channel areas
CH1 may be formed at upper portions of the active fins AF
overlapping the gate line GL21. In the PMOS transistor PM12,
source/drain patterns may be disposed on the active fins AF on
opposite sides of the gate line GL21. The source/drain patterns may
include a semiconductor element (e.g., SiGe) having a lattice
constant greater than a lattice constant of a semiconductor element
of the substrate SUB. As such, the source/drain patterns may
provide a compressive stress to the first channel areas CH1. P-type
impurity (e.g., boron) may be introduced in the source/drain
patterns.
[0098] The clock signal "N" provided through the metal line M1_6 is
transferred to the gate contact CB6 through a via VA6. The gate
contact CB6 is formed to provide the clock signal "N" to the gate
electrodes of/corresponding to the NMOS transistors NM12 and NM24.
The gate line GL22 separated by the cutting layers CT2 and CT4 and
the second and third active areas ACT2 and ACT3 may form the NMOS
transistors NM12 and NM24.
[0099] Each of the active fins AF placed at the NMOS transistor
NM12 may include a second top surface TS2 and second side walls
SW2. The gate line GL22 covers the second top surfaces TS2 and the
second side walls SW2. In the NMOS transistor NM12, second channel
areas CH2 may be disposed at upper portions of the active fins AF
each overlapping the gate line GL22. In the NMOS transistor NM12,
source/drain patterns may be disposed on the active fins AF on
opposite sides of the gate line GL22. The source/drain patterns may
be or include a semiconductor epitaxial pattern. For example, the
source/drain patterns may include a semiconductor element (e.g.,
Si) identical to/homogenous with that of the substrate SUB. N-type
impurity (e.g., phosphorus and/or arsenic) may be introduced in the
source/drain patterns. The NMOS transistor NM24 may be formed to be
identical in shape to the NMOS transistor NM12 except that the NMOS
transistor NM24 is formed above the third active area ACT3.
[0100] The clock signal "B" provided through the metal line M1_8 is
transferred to the gate contact CB8 through a via VA8. The gate
contact CB8 is formed to provide the clock signal "B" to the gate
electrode of the PMOS transistor PM24 included in the slave latch
120. The gate line GL23 is electrically separated from the gate
line GL22 by the cutting layer CT4. The fourth active area ACT4 and
the gate line GL23 may form the PMOS transistor PM24. The clock
signal "B" is provided to the gate line GL23 for the gate electrode
of the PMOS transistor PM24 through the gate contact CB8.
[0101] A plurality of active fins AF for forming the PMOS
transistor PM24 may be provided. The active fins AF may be extended
in the first direction D1 to be parallel to each other. As a
portion of the substrate SUB, the active fins AF may be vertical
protrusions. The device isolation layer 11 may include a silicon
oxide layer. Upper portions of the active fins AF may vertically
protrude above the device isolation layer 11. The device isolation
layer 11 may not cover the upper portions of the active fins AF.
The device isolation layer 11 may cover side walls of lower
portions of the active fins AF. The gate line GL23 may intersect
the active fins AF. The gate insulating layer Gox may be interposed
between the gate line GL23 and the active fins AF.
[0102] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a standard cell layout
structure of a flip-flop according to another embodiment of
inventive concepts. Referring to FIG. 14, a standard cell 500 of
inventive concepts may be implemented by a layout that uses the
double height structure DHS and the 2CPP cutting layers CT. Also,
the standard cell 500 may be implemented by a layout including a
multi-bridge channel FET (MBCFET) and/or a gate-all-around FET
(GAAFET).
[0103] The standard cell 500 may include the first to fourth active
areas ACT1, ACT2, ACT3, and ACT4, the first to fourth gate lines
GL1 to GL4, the plurality of gate contacts CB1 to CB9, the cutting
layers CT1, CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5, and the power rails
MPL1, MPL2, and MPL3. The standard cell 500 according to the
present embodiment has a cross couple structure for providing the
clock signals "N" and "B".
[0104] The first to fourth active areas ACT1 to ACT4 may be
extended along the first direction D1 and may be disposed parallel
to each other in the second direction D2 substantially
perpendicular to the first direction D1. In the present embodiment,
the first active area ACT1 and the second active area ACT2 may be
disposed to be spaced from each other in the second direction D2.
The power rail MPL2 for providing the ground voltage VSS may be
placed between the second active area ACT2 and the third active
area ACT3. In addition, the third active area ACT3 and the fourth
active area ACT4 may be disposed to be spaced from each other in
the second direction D2.
[0105] Nanosheets and/or nanowires for MBCFET and/or GAAFET
channels may be formed above the first to fourth active areas ACT1,
ACT2, ACT3, and ACT4. The nanosheets and/or nanowires may be
extended along the first direction D1 over the first to fourth
active areas ACT1 to ACT4.
[0106] The first to fourth gate lines GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 may be
extended along the second direction D2 over the first to fourth
active areas ACT1 to ACT4 and may be disposed parallel to each
other in the first direction D1. The first to fourth gate lines
GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 may be extended in a direction perpendicular
to the nanosheets or nanowires. As the first to fourth gate lines
GL1, GL2, GL3, and GL4 are formed to surround the nanosheets or
nanowires, a multi-bridge channel FET (MBCFET) or a gate-all-around
FET (GAAFET) may be formed.
[0107] The cutting layers CT1, CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5 may be
formed to cross at least one of the first to fourth gate lines GL1,
GL2, GL3, and GL4. Structures and shapes of the cutting layers CT1,
CT2, CT31, CT32, CT4, and CT5 are substantially identical to those
of FIG. 3 described above, and thus, additional description will be
omitted to avoid redundancy.
[0108] The plurality of gate contacts CB1 to CB9 are provided to
transfer gate signals of transistors constituting the flip-flop
100. Reference signs "CB1" to "CB9" of gate contacts are omitted,
but locations and functions of the plurality of gate contacts CB1
to CB9 are substantially identical to those of FIG. 3 described
above. Thus, additional description will be omitted to avoid
redundancy.
[0109] As described above, according to the standard cell layout of
the flip-flop 100 of inventive concepts, the number of gate
contacts for NMOS transistors included in the master latch 110 and
the slave latch 120 may decrease by using the dual height
structure. In addition, because a location of a gate contact for an
NMOS transistor is adjustable, the performance of the flip-flop 100
may be prevented from, or reduced in likelihood of, being reduced
due to the number of gate contacts or locations thereof.
[0110] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a standard cell taken
along line IV-IV' of FIG. 14, according to embodiments of inventive
concepts. Semiconductor devices illustrated in FIG. 15 may be a
multi-bridge channel FET (MBCFET) or a gate-all-around FET
(GAAFET). The gate contacts CB2, CB6, and CB8 may be in contact
with the gate lines GL21, GL22, and GL23 through the first
interlayer insulating layer ILD1. Here, shapes or structures of
metal lines or gate lines are substantially identical to those of
FIG. 13 except for a shape of a channel pattern.
[0111] In the standard cell 500 according to the present
embodiment, each of the PMOS transistors PM12 and PM24 and the NMOS
transistors NM12 and NM24 may include one active fin AF. In the
PMOS transistor PM12, a plurality of channel patterns CP may be
stacked on the active fin AF. The channel patterns CP may be spaced
from each other. In the NMOS transistor NM12, channel patterns CP
may be stacked on the active fin AF in a multi-layer structure. The
gate line GL21 is formed to surround the channel patterns CP
associated with the PMOS transistor PM12. The gate line GL22 is
formed to surround the channel patterns CP associated with the NMOS
transistors NM12 and NM24. The gate line GL23 is formed to surround
the channel patterns CP associated with the PMOS transistor PM24.
The remaining structure may be identical or similar to that
described with reference to FIG. 13.
[0112] A transistor element of a flip-flop of inventive concepts is
exemplified above, but the transistor element of inventive concepts
is not limited thereto. For example, a transistor of a flip-flop
may be at least one of a FinFET, an MBCFET (Multi-Bridge-Channel
FET), a GAAFET (Gate-All-Around FET), and a VFET (Vertical
FET).
[0113] According to an embodiment of inventive concepts, a speed of
a transistor may be improved through a structure in which gate
lines of a standard cell share a contact.
[0114] While inventive concepts have been described with reference
to some example embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications
may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of
inventive concepts as set forth in the following claims.
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